Which Cross Country Mountain Bike?

[radderfire]

Hi Guys

I want to buy a mountain bike, here are my requirements:

- Budget up to £1,000

- Suited to long cross country rides.

- Must be comfortable to ride, not too stretched forward a riding position, more a "tourer" than a "racer".

- Probably front suspension only, unless I can be convinced about full suspension.

- Enough frame clearance to fit good mudguards.

- Decent components.

- Would rather the handlebars had a bend in them as opposed to straight, so that I can easily make slight adjustments to riding position.

- Puncture resistant tyres if possible.

Your suggestions please.

Thanks

 

[radderfire]

Thanks for your reply, reading the link now.

 

[radderfire]

http://shop.birdmtb.com/zero/zero-3.html

Will even do tubeless. Not sure on fully xc orientated though, it's more a trail bike. Mines is awesome though

Thanks, I'll check it out

 

[radderfire]

For what you want go with a 29er and now is the ideal time to get 2014 bargains.

Up the budget and get a 2014 Specialized Crave Pro at circa £1200. Probably the lightest option and nicely specced.

On budget will be one of the 2014 cubes with various models with Fox or Rockshox Reba forks and slx/xt kit from £800-£1k

My money would go on a Trek Superfly though, as they have 15mm front and 142x12 rear axles so nice and stiff. Or if you fancy something a bit more trail orientated a Trek Stache 7 and you can get a 2014 for circa £900 if you have a local dealer willing to cut a deal.

Thanks, useful, and I do like the Trek make.